WO2011132664A1 - Probe and use method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a probe in which one embodiment thereof is equipped with an inner sheath (30) in which an optical system is enclosed, an outer sheath (31) into which the inner sheath is inserted, and a calibration referencing member (32); the inner sheath and outer sheath are capable of relative movement operations in the lengthwise direction; as a result of said movement, the irradiation light emission section and the radiated light incidence section on the inner sheath can be housed in the outer sheath and exposed from the outer sheath; and the calibration referencing member is disposed in a position on the exterior of the inner sheath and the interior of the outer sheath, in which the receipt of irradiation light emitted from the emission section and the incidence of radiated light to the incidence section of the inner sheath housed in the outer sheath are possible. In other probes (7), an outer cylinder member (22) enables the exposure and covering of a transmission window (211a) with the relative movement to an inner cylinder member (21) and is provided with a cleaning member (221) that cleans the transmission window (211a) in connection with said relative movement.

Description

Probe and method of use thereof

The present invention relates to a probe for measuring an emitted light provided with an optical system for irradiating a measurement target site of a living tissue with irradiation light and receiving the emitted light emitted from the measurement target site, and a method of using the probe. .

Conventionally, a probe has been developed that irradiates a measurement target site of biological tissue with irradiation light such as excitation light, and detects irradiation light such as fluorescence generated from the biological tissue or a drug that has been previously injected into the living body by this irradiation light. It is used for diagnosis of disease states (for example, disease type and infiltration range) such as degeneration of living tissue and cancer.
In such a probe, an optical fiber and a prism are used to guide the irradiation light from the light source device, irradiate the measurement target site of the living body, receive the radiated light emitted from the lesioned portion, and guide it to the analysis device. Etc. are configured.
For this reason, there is a problem in that the characteristics of light detected by the analyzer differ depending on the surrounding environment, the condition of the light source device, individual differences in the probe used for replacement, even if the conditions of the measurement target part are the same. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to perform calibration prior to measurement.
Calibration is calibration of a photometric unit for performing light irradiation and light reception.
In order to perform calibration, for example, a calibration reference member having a certain characteristic that emits light of a predetermined intensity when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength is separately prepared in the form of a jig, etc. Mount this jig on the main body of the device, irradiate the calibration reference member with light, receive the radiated light, obtain the measured value, and set the measurement setting to subtract the deviation of the measured value from the specified value. It is conceivable to take a procedure of performing (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, this probe is used by being inserted into a lumen in a living body, but mucus or the like in the lumen may adhere to the distal end during the insertion process. The probe tip is provided with an exit / incident part for irradiation light and radiant light. If mucus or the like adheres to the tip part, there is a risk of irradiating the irradiation light or detecting the radiated light. .

Therefore, there is a technique in which a channel through which liquid can flow is provided to the tip along the probe, the tip of the probe is moved to the site to be observed, and then the cleaning liquid is ejected from the channel to remove mucus etc. at the tip. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-140056 JP 2003-126019 A

However, in the above prior art, since it is necessary to separately prepare a reference member for calibration, the operation is likely to be complicated, such as requiring attachment / detachment of a jig for calibration. In addition, since the reference member for calibration is a separate body, there is a possibility of contamination, breakage, etc., and there is a possibility of poor mounting on the apparatus main body, and there is a possibility that calibration cannot be performed correctly.

Moreover, in general, adherence of mucus in a living body is strong, and since the spraying pressure and type of liquid for cleaning liquid are limited so as not to harm the living body, such spraying of cleaning liquid is sufficient to remove mucus that has once adhered. Therefore, it is difficult to eliminate the risk of excitation light irradiation failure or fluorescence detection failure.
In addition, the probe is required to be thin and flexible from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the subject by inserting the probe from the nose. For this reason, the probe must be as simple as possible. Accordingly, it is not easy to arrange other cleaning means that does not use a cleaning liquid. In particular, in addition to a mechanism that performs excitation light irradiation and fluorescence light reception, imaging including an imaging element and a lens for imaging a site to be observed When providing the device, it is more difficult to provide other cleaning means.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the prior art, and includes an optical system for receiving irradiation light emitted from a measurement target site by irradiating the measurement target site of biological tissue with irradiation light. Another object of the present invention is to provide a probe for measuring the emitted light, which can be calibrated reliably without separately preparing a reference member for calibration, and a method for using the probe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a probe capable of preventing irradiation light irradiation failure and radiation light detection failure due to adhesion of mucus or the like without complicating the configuration.

The invention according to claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem is the radiation provided with an optical system for receiving the radiation emitted from the measurement target part by irradiating the measurement target part of the living tissue with the irradiation light. In a probe for measuring light,
An inner sheath in which the optical system is built; an outer sheath through which the inner sheath is inserted;
A calibration reference member,
The inner sheath and the outer sheath can be operated to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. By the operation, the emission portion of the irradiation light and the incident portion of the emission light of the inner sheath are accommodated in the outer sheath. And exposing from the outer sheath,
The calibration reference member is outside the inner sheath and inside the outer sheath, and can receive the irradiation light emitted from the emitting portion of the inner sheath accommodated in the outer sheath, and the incident portion The probe is arranged at a position where the radiation light can be incident on the probe.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the calibration reference member is movable and held in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner sheath.
A locking member for retaining the calibration reference member in the outer sheath during movement of the inner sheath with respect to the outer sheath for exposing the inner sheath from the outer sheath;
When the inner sheath for accommodating the inner sheath in the outer sheath moves with respect to the outer sheath, the calibration reference member moves together with the inner sheath, and can receive the irradiation light from the emitting portion, and The probe according to claim 1, wherein the probe is retracted from a position where the radiation light can enter the incident portion.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the locking member is an O-ring whose outer diameter portion is closely fixed to the inner periphery of the outer sheath and whose inner diameter portion is in close contact with the outer periphery of the inner sheath. Item 3. The probe according to Item 2.

The invention according to claim 4 is engaged with the calibration reference member as the inner sheath moves with respect to the outer sheath to expose the inner sheath from the outer sheath, and the inner sheath is used as the outer sheath. A trap shape is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner sheath to prevent the calibration reference member from shifting relative to the inner sheath in the opposite direction of the movement when the inner sheath is moved with respect to the outer sheath. The probe according to claim 2, wherein the probe is provided.

The invention according to claim 5 is the probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calibration reference member is an annular sheet along the outer periphery of the inner sheath. is there.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the optical system irradiates irradiation light in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath from a window portion provided on the peripheral surface of the inner sheath. It is a probe as described in any one of these.

The invention according to claim 7 is a method of using the probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The emission part and the incident part of the inner sheath are accommodated in the outer sheath, and the calibration reference member can receive the irradiation light from the emission part and can make the radiation light incident on the incident part. In a state where it is arranged at a proper position, the measurement is performed using the optical system, and calibration is performed.
After inserting the probe into the living body,
In the living body, the emitting portion and the incident portion of the inner sheath are exposed from the outer sheath, and the measurement is executed on the living body measurement target site using the optical system. .

The invention according to claim 8 is the method of using a probe according to claim 7, wherein the calibration is executed in a state where the probe is inserted into a living body.

The invention according to claim 9 is a method of using the probe according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the calibration reference member is not detected by performing measurement using the optical system. Therefore, it is determined that the probe cannot be used.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 10 is inserted into a lumen in a living body and irradiates irradiation light to a site to be observed of a living tissue, and the observation is caused by the irradiation light. In the probe that detects the radiation emitted from the target site,
An inner cylinder member that houses an optical system that performs irradiation of the irradiation light and reception of the radiation light, and has a transmission window that transmits the irradiation light and the radiation light on a peripheral surface;
An outer cylinder member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member and is relatively movable in at least the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member;
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the transmission window with a relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member, and the outer cylinder member is with a relative movement with respect to the inner cylinder member. It has the cleaning member which cleans the area | region which the said irradiation light and the said radiation light permeate | transmit at least among the said transmission windows.

The invention according to claim 11 is the probe according to claim 10,
The said cleaning member cleans the said permeation | transmission window with the relative movement to the longitudinal direction of the said inner cylinder member and the said outer cylinder member, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The invention according to claim 12 is the probe according to claim 10,
The inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member are relatively movable in the circumferential direction by rotation,
The said cleaning member cleans the said permeation | transmission window with the relative movement to the circumferential direction of the said inner cylinder member and the said outer cylinder member, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The invention according to claim 13 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
An imaging device that is accommodated in the inner cylinder member and that can image the inside of the lumen through a first imaging window formed of a transparent member on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member,
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the transmission window and the first imaging window with relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member.
The cleaning member cleans the transmission window and the first imaging window with relative movement of the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member.

The invention according to claim 14 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
An imaging device that is accommodated in the inner cylinder member and that can image the inside of the lumen through a first imaging window formed of a transparent member on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member,
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the first imaging window along with the relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member, and also shielding the transmission window and the first imaging window. And a second imaging window made of a transparent member at a portion that shields the first imaging window.

The invention according to claim 15 is the probe according to claim 13 or 14,
The transmission window is arranged in an imaging range of the imaging device.

The invention according to claim 16 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 15,
The inner cylinder member is formed such that an outer diameter of a predetermined portion on the tip side of the transmission window is larger than an opening diameter of the outer cylinder member, and the predetermined portion on the tip side is exposed from the outer cylinder member in a normal state. It is characterized by being.

The invention according to claim 17 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
The outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member is characterized in that at least one recess is formed within a moving range of the cleaning member accompanying relative movement between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member.

The invention according to claim 18 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 17,
In the outer cylinder member, a channel capable of circulating liquid is formed along the longitudinal direction,
The tip of the channel is provided with a jet outlet capable of discharging liquid with respect to the transmission window.

The invention according to claim 19 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 17,
It is configured to allow liquid to flow through a gap between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member.

The invention according to claim 20 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 19,
The cleaning member is formed integrally with the outer cylinder member.

The invention according to claim 21 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 20,
The cleaning member is made of an elastic body, a foam, a felt, or a cloth.

The invention according to claim 22 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 21,
A water repellent coat or a hydrophilic coat is coated on the surface of the transmission window.

The invention according to claim 23 is the probe according to any one of claims 10 to 22,
The optical system receives at least one of fluorescence, scattered light, and Raman scattered light emitted from an observation target site due to the irradiation light.

According to any one of claims 1 to 9, it is not necessary to provide a calibration reference member separately from the probe, and calibration can be performed appropriately without complicated operations.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the transmission window is shielded by the outer cylinder member when inserted into the lumen, and the transmission window is exposed from the outer cylinder member when the tip of the probe reaches the site to be observed. Can be made. And the permeation | transmission window can be cleaned with the cleaning member provided in the outer cylinder member with the relative movement of an inner cylinder member and an outer cylinder member. Therefore, by shielding the transmission window with the outer cylinder member, the adhesion of mucus etc. to the transmission window at the time of insertion into the lumen is prevented, and the transmission window whose surface is cleaned while having a simple configuration is observed. It can be made to oppose a part. Thereby, it is possible to prevent irradiation failure of irradiation light and detection failure of radiation light due to adhesion of mucus or the like.

According to the invention of claim 11, the transmission window can be cleaned by the cleaning member as the transmission window is exposed from the outer cylinder member.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, before the transmission window is exposed from the outer cylinder member, the transmission window is cleaned along with the relative movement of the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member in the circumferential direction by rotation. be able to.

According to the invention of the thirteenth aspect, the transmission window and the first imaging window can be cleaned as the outer cylinder member and the inner cylinder member move relative to each other.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, even if the first imaging window and the transmission window are shielded by the outer cylinder member when inserted into the lumen, the inside of the lumen is imaged by the imaging device through the second imaging window. can do.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, since the transmission window is disposed within the imaging range of the imaging device, it is possible to visually check how dirty the transmission window is, and the transmission window is irradiated with excitation light. It is possible to discriminate whether it is clean enough not to interfere with the detection of fluorescence.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the opening of the outer cylinder member (the gap between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member) is caused by the predetermined portion on the distal end side of the inner cylinder member formed larger than the opening diameter of the outer cylinder member. Can be blocked. Therefore, invasion of mucus or the like from the opening of the outer cylinder member can be prevented, and as a result, adhesion of mucus or the like to the transmission window during insertion into the lumen can be more reliably prevented.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, at least one recess is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member within the range of movement of the cleaning member accompanying the relative movement between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dirt such as mucus from entering the recess due to the movement of the cleaning member and collecting the dirt on the cleaning member. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning member from spreading its own dirt and to suitably clean the transmission window.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the outer cylinder member is formed with a channel through which liquid can be circulated, and the liquid can be discharged from the jet port to the transmission window. It is possible to make it easy to remove mucus or the like adhering to the transmission window by, for example, jetting a cleaning liquid toward the transmission window in the exposed state.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, since the liquid can be circulated through the gap between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member, the cleaning liquid for assisting the removal of mucus or the like is circulated through the gap, and the tip of the outer cylinder member is The effect similar to that of the eighteenth aspect can be obtained by ejecting from the opening toward the transmission window.

According to the 21st aspect of the invention, by using a cleaning member made of any one of an elastic body, a foam, a felt, and a cloth, mucus adhering to the transmission window can be removed well.

According to the invention described in claim 22, since the water repellent coat or the hydrophilic coat is coated on the surface of the transmission window, it is difficult for mucus to adhere to the transmission window, and even when it adheres, it is easy. Can be removed.

1 is an external perspective view of a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal configuration perspective view of a probe concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal structure exploded perspective view of the probe concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a system configuration figure where the probe concerning one embodiment of the present invention is connected. It is a side view arrangement schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the probe concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal configuration perspective view of a probe concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an appearance perspective view of a probe with a balloon concerning one embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a balloon contraction state. It is an external appearance perspective view of the probe with a balloon concerning one embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a balloon expansion state. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the probe which concerns on other one Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view of a probe according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the inner sheath of the probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and its exterior structure. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The accommodation state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The extension state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The re-storing state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on other one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The accommodation state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The extension state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on other one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The accommodation state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on other one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The accommodation state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The extension state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the probe which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The re-contained state of an inner sheath is shown. It is a figure which shows the external shape and calibration reference member of the inner sheath of the probe which concerns on another one Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of a diagnostic apparatus. It is a front view of the probe in other one embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the probe in the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the probe at the time of inserting in a lumen. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of a probe at the time of performing irradiation light irradiation and detection of radiation light. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the probe in the modification of the embodiment. It is a front view of a probe provided with the cleaning member of another example. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the probe of the example. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the probe of another example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention.

The appearance of the inner sheath of the probe of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 1A. The inner sheath of the probe includes a bendable tube 1 and a tip mantle 2. The distal end opening of the tube 1 and the proximal end opening of the distal mantle 2 are joined and sealed so that liquid or the like does not enter. The distal end mantle 2 has a shape in which a cylindrical portion is connected to a hemispherical dome-shaped distal end portion, and is made of a molded resin or the like. The tip mantle 2 is made entirely or partially transparent.

1B and 1C show the internal configuration of the probe. A torque coil 3 passed through the tube 1, a unit frame base end 4 a, an irradiation optical fiber 5, a light receiving optical fiber 6, a condensing lens 7, and a mirror (or prism, the same applies hereinafter) 8 The imaging camera 9 is configured. 9a schematically shows a lens portion of the imaging camera 9.
The torque coil 3 continues to the proximal end of the tube 1 and is rotated by an actuator such as a servo motor at the proximal end. The rotation operation by the actuator is advantageous in that the movement amount can be precisely controlled, but the rotation operation may be performed manually. In that case, there is a merit that the operation desired by the operator is immediately reflected in the movement of the probe.
The unit frame base end 4 a is formed in a disc shape and is fixed to the tip of the torque coil 3. Further, the unit frame base end portion 4 a holds the irradiation optical fiber 5 and the light receiving optical fiber 6. The unit frame has a side wall portion (not shown) continuous to the peripheral portion of the unit frame base end portion 4a, and holds the condenser lens 7, the mirror 8, and the imaging camera 9. Then, when the torque coil 3 is rotated, the entire unit frame is rotated.
The axes of the irradiating optical fiber 5 and the receiving optical fiber 6 are oriented in the direction of the distal end of the probe, and further toward the distal end side in the order of the condenser lens 7, the mirror 8, and the imaging camera 9 as viewed from the optical fiber side. Is arranged. The imaging camera 9 is also provided with a lighting device (not shown) used for imaging.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base end G of the probe is detachably connected to the base unit C via a connector F. The base unit C includes an excitation light source C1, a light emission control unit C2, a side light unit C3, a drive unit C4, a camera control unit C5, a cleaning unit C6, an illumination unit C7, a ROMC8, a RAMC9, an interface C10, a signal processing unit C11, and a balloon. It includes a control unit C12, a calibration control unit C13, and a CPU 20 that controls these units.
A computer D is connected to the CPU 20 of the base unit C via an interface C10. An image display monitor E1 and an operation input device E2 are connected to the computer D.
The proximal end of the irradiation optical fiber 5 is connected to the light source C1, and the proximal end of the light receiving optical fiber 6 is connected to the side light portion C3.
The light emission control unit C2 controls the light source C1.
The side light unit C3 performs spectral and intensity measurement of light input through the light receiving optical fiber 6.
The drive part C4 drives the relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath and the outer sheath. The drive unit C4 drives the rotation of the torque coil 3.
The camera control unit C5 controls the imaging camera 9.
The cleaning unit C6 performs liquid feed drive control of a cleaning liquid such as an observation window. The cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port provided at the tip of the probe.
The illumination unit C7 illuminates for imaging.
The signal processing unit C11 performs processing of a signal captured by the imaging camera 9 and processing of a signal measured by the side light unit C3.
The balloon control unit C12 controls the inflation and deflation of the balloon for fixing the probe in the lumen.
The calibration control unit C13 calibrates the side light unit C3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the excitation light emitted from the irradiation optical fiber 5 is condensed by the condenser lens 7, reflected by the mirror 8, emitted sideways, and irradiated to the measurement target site of the living tissue. The Fluorescence is generated according to the lesion state by the excitation light at the irradiated measurement target site. The light containing the generated fluorescence is incident on the mirror 8, reflected, condensed by the condenser lens 7, and incident on the light receiving optical fiber 6. The light guided by the light receiving optical fiber 6 is input to the photometric unit C3 of the base unit C. Fluorescence is broadly defined as an object irradiated with X-rays, ultraviolet rays, or visible light absorbs its energy, excites electrons, and releases excess energy as electromagnetic waves when it returns to the ground state. To do. Here, the excitation light (reference light) causes fluorescence having a wavelength different from that of the light to be generated as radiated light, which is detected and guided to the photometric unit C3 of the base unit C via the light receiving optical fiber 6. Then, the lesion state to be detected is detected by analyzing the spectrum distribution. The measurement with this probe is to obtain the spectral distribution of the intensity of the received radiation (fluorescence).
The light from the light source guided in the longitudinal direction of the probe is bent by the mirror 8 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the probe, and light is irradiated from the peripheral surface of the probe. Since it has such a structure, light can be easily irradiated to the calibration reference member by providing a calibration reference member to be described later along the side surface of the probe. In place of the mirror 8, an optical element such as a prism may be used. Instead of the mirror 8 and the condensing lens 7, an optical element such as a prism having both condensing and reflecting functions may be used.

The imaging camera 9 is a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD or C-MOS image sensor that captures a surface image of a measurement target part.

This probe can take a form in which only the inner structure of the inner sheath is rotated as shown in FIG. 4A, or a form in which the entire inner sheath and its inner structure are rotated as shown in FIG. 4B. In the former case, it is preferable that the entire tip mantle 2 is transparent. However, a portion that does not enter the emission range of the excitation light, the incident range of the radiated light, and the visual field range of the imaging camera 9 with the rotation of the internal configuration may be non-transparent. In the latter case as well, it is sufficient that the transparent portion of the tip mantle 2 is a portion that corresponds to at least the emission range of the excitation light, the incident range of the reflected light, and the visual field range of the imaging camera 9.

When rotating the unit frame or measuring fluorescence, the probe 10 is fixed by applying a configuration in which the balloon 10a as the probe fixing means shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is inflated and brought into contact with the inner wall of the lumen. It is effective to do.

The probe turning mechanism and the fixing mechanism using the balloon 10a will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D.
As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, the unit frame 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A condensing lens 7, a mirror 8, and an imaging camera 9 are fixed inside the unit frame 4, and a rotation unit M is configured. A window 4 b is provided on the peripheral surface of the unit frame 4. The window 4b is made of a transparent member or formed by an opening. The window 4 b is a window for emitting excitation light, incident radiation, emitting illumination light for imaging by the imaging camera 9, and imaging by the imaging camera 9. The axis X is a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the probe.
6A and 6B, the tube 1 and the tip mantle 2 are joined to form an inner sheath, and the unit frame 4 connected to the torque coil 3 is accommodated therein. The tip mantle 2 is entirely transparent, and the rotation unit M is rotated around the rotation axis X in the tip mantle 2 by the power transmitted via the torque coil 3. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the unit frame 4 also serves as a tip mantle. Therefore, the window 4b is not an opening but is made of a transparent member. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the unit frame 4 is connected to a torque tube 1A capable of transmitting torque, the proximal end of the torque tube 1A is connected to an actuator, and the rotating unit M is connected via the torque tube 1A. Is rotated around the rotation axis X by the transmitted power. The torque tube 1A is constituted by, for example, a tube covered with a torque coil. 6C and 6D, the inner sheath is constituted by the unit frame 4 and the torque tube 1A.
Regardless of the configuration, the specific range may not be the window 4b and the whole may be transparent.
Since the optical fibers 5 and 6 are connected to the rotation unit M, the rotation of the rotation unit M is restricted by a predetermined rotation angle. The rotational scanning is also performed by reversing at a predetermined rotation angle (for example, when reaching 360 ° or exceeding 360 °).
The base unit C obtains fluorescence intensity distribution information and image information by rotating and rotating the rotation unit M while performing the above-described fluorescence detection and photographing by the imaging camera 9. This is recorded in the RAMC 9 mounted on the base unit C. In the above configuration, the mirror 8 determines the incident direction of the emitted light emitted from the measurement target site irradiated with the excitation light and incident on the probe and received and detected by the probe. To do. Since the relative angle between the incident direction of the radiated light and the viewing direction of the imaging camera 9 is constant during the rotational scanning, this can be specified, and can be specified in advance in the base unit C as a constant. The fluorescence intensity distribution information and the image information can be displayed and output on the image display monitor E1 or the like as a superimposed image in which the coordinates coincide.
In FIG. 1C, L2 indicates an incident optical path of received light, and in FIGS. 1C, 3, 6A, and 6C, L1 indicates an outgoing optical path of excitation light. 6A and 6C, Y represents the field of view of the imaging camera 9, and YA represents the center of the field of view of the imaging camera 9.

The balloon 10 a is formed as a part of the outer tube 10. The outer tube 10 constitutes an outer sheath. The outer tube 10 is a multi-lumen tube having a hole 10c in the longitudinal direction in the outer skin 10b. The balloon 10a is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the multi-lumen tube by welding or the like, and the internal space of the balloon 10a is communicated with the hole 10c. The base end of the hole 10c connected to the balloon 10a is connected to an air pump controlled by the balloon control unit C12, and the balloon 10a is inflated and deflated by supplying or sucking air from the hole 10c.
A plurality of holes 10c are formed, some of which are connected to the balloon 10a, and all or a part of the remaining holes are opened at the tip of the outer tube 10 to form a discharge port (not shown) for cleaning liquid. . The hole 10c having one end of the discharge port is connected to a liquid pump controlled by the cleaning unit C6. The cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port onto the outer peripheral surface of the tip mantle 2 in FIG. 6A and the outer peripheral surface of the unit frame 4 in FIG. 6C.
During the rotation scanning of the rotation unit M for acquiring the fluorescence intensity distribution information and the image information, the balloon 10a is inflated and the rotation axis X of the rotation unit M is fixed. Further, the probe main body including the rotating unit M moves in the axial direction with respect to the outer tube 10 by being driven by the driving unit C4, and can continuously scan in the axis X direction.

Between the inner sheath and the outer sheath described above, the calibration reference member 32 and the O-ring 33 as a locking member are installed.
FIG. 7 shows the distal end portion of the inner sheath 30, the distal end portion of the outer sheath 31, the calibration reference member 32, and the O-ring 33 in an exploded state. The calibration reference member 32 is formed of an annular sheet that elastically contracts.
As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the calibration reference member 32 is fitted on the outer periphery of the inner sheath 30, and is held in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the inner sheath 30. 7 to 12, the internal configuration of the inner sheath 30 is simplified, and the balloon outside the outer sheath 31 is omitted. 7 to 12, the configuration of the condensing lens and the mirror is simply illustrated by an optical member 8 such as a prism.
The calibration reference member 32 stays with the inner sheath 30 tightened due to its contractibility. The calibration reference member 32 is slidable according to the friction between the inner peripheral surface of the calibration reference member 32 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner sheath 30, so that the calibration reference member 32 can move relative to the inner sheath 30. It is movable and held in the longitudinal direction (corresponding to the direction of the axis X shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C. The same applies hereinafter).

The O-ring 33 has an outer diameter portion in close contact with the inner side of the outer sheath 31 and an inner diameter portion in close contact with the outer periphery of the inner sheath 30. Therefore, the O-ring 33 is sealed so that liquid or the like does not enter the gap between the inner sheath 30 and the outer sheath 31 from the distal end opening of the outer sheath 31.
Therefore, the adhesion of dirt on the calibration reference member 32 is prevented. In addition, the inner sheath 30 accommodated inside the O-ring 33 can be prevented from being contaminated.

By operation from the base unit C, the inner sheath 30 moves in the longitudinal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31. The exit / incident part 30a shown in FIG. 8B corresponds to the above-described exit part for excitation light and incident part for emitted light.
As shown in FIG. 8A, initially, the calibration reference member 32 can receive irradiation light emitted from the emission / incident part 30a of the inner sheath 30 accommodated in the outer sheath 31, and can receive the irradiation light to the emission / incident part 30a. It is arrange | positioned in the position where incidence | injection of radiated light of this is possible.
As shown in FIG. 8A → FIG. 8B, the inner sheath 30 moves in the distal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31, whereby the emission / incident portion 30a of the inner sheath 30 is exposed from the outer sheath 31 to the distal end. In this operation process, the O-ring 33 also functions to hold the calibration reference member 32 in the outer sheath 31. That is, even if the inner sheath 30 moves in the distal direction, the calibration reference member 32 abuts against the O-ring 33 and is locked and remains in the outer sheath 31. Therefore, the calibration reference member 32 slides and moves in the proximal direction with respect to the inner sheath 30.

As shown in FIG. 8B → FIG. 8C, the inner sheath 30 moves in the proximal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31, whereby the emission / incident portion 30a of the inner sheath 30 is accommodated in the outer sheath 31. In this operation process, the calibration reference member 32 moves together with the inner sheath 30 so that the irradiation light from the emission / incident part 30a can be received and the radiation from the emission / incident part 30a can be incident rearward. Evacuate to.

A method of using the probe having the above-described configuration will be described.
First, the probe is connected to the base unit C for calibration. Calibration is executed in the initial accommodation state shown in FIG. 8A. The calibration may be executed before the probe is inserted into the living body, or may be executed in a state where the probe is inserted into the living body.
The calibration reference member 32 is made of a material having a certain characteristic that emits light of a predetermined intensity when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength.
The measurement is executed with the calibration reference member 32 as a measurement object by the probe and the base unit C. That is, the calibration reference member 32 is irradiated with irradiation light to measure the spectrum distribution of the radiated light (fluorescence) intensity, and the base unit C stores the setting for subtracting the deviation of the measured value from the specified value. Since the calibration reference member is provided in the probe, there is no need to attach or detach the calibration jig, and the reference member for calibration should be properly calibrated by preventing contamination and breakage of the reference member. Can do.
This completes the calibration. Thereafter, the base unit C outputs a value obtained by subtracting the deviation as a measurement value.

Next, the probe is inserted into the living body and sent to the measurement target site. By performing calibration in advance, the time to measurement can be shortened.
Next, the balloon 10a is inflated and fixed. When the calibration is executed after the probe is inserted into the living body, the calibration is performed before the inner sheath to be explained next is extended. By executing calibration after insertion into the living body, calibration can be performed in a state close to the measurement environment.
Next, by moving the inner sheath 30 in the distal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31, the emission / incident part 30a of the inner sheath 30 is exposed from the outer sheath 31 to the distal end. At this time, the portion of the inner sheath 30 where the imaging camera 9 is mounted is also exposed from the outer sheath 31 to the tip.
Next, the fluorescence intensity is actually measured on the measurement target region of the living body, and the surface image of the measurement target region is captured by the imaging camera 9. At this time, the measurement target part of the fluorescence intensity and the imaging target part of the imaging camera 9 are scanned by the pivoting operation of the pivoting unit M and the feeding operation of the inner sheath 30 in the axis X direction.
If necessary, the fixation with the balloon 10a is released, the tip of the probe is moved, the fixation with the balloon is performed again, and the same measurement and imaging as described above are repeated.
In the base unit C, the obtained fluorescence intensity distribution information and image information are displayed and output on the image display monitor E1 as a superimposed image in which the coordinates coincide.
This completes the measurement process using this probe.

Once this probe is used for measurement, the state shown in FIG. 8B or the state shown in FIG. 8C is obtained. In the state shown in FIG. 8B, the inner sheath 30 protrudes larger than the outer sheath 31 compared to the initial state, and therefore it can be determined that the inner sheath 30 cannot be used according to the appearance.
8A, 8B, and 8C, the above-described calibration is performed on the probe in any other state, and whether or not the probe can be used is determined by detecting / not detecting the calibration reference member 32. Can do. Since the calibration reference member 32 is detected in the state shown in FIG. 8A, it is determined that the calibration reference member 32 can be used. In the state shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the calibration reference member 32 is not detected. It is determined that it cannot be used.
The above is effective when the probe is made disposable for one-time use. Even in the case where it is difficult to determine the availability according to the appearance as in the state shown in FIG. 8A and the state shown in FIG. 8C, the availability can be determined, and reuse can be eliminated.

When the probe can be reused, the configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is also effective. Calibration can be performed for each use. 9A and 9B, the outer peripheral surface of the calibration reference member 32a is fixed to the inner surface of the outer sheath 31 by welding, bonding, or the like. The O-ring is not applied, and the calibration reference member 32 a functions as a sealing member that prevents liquid or the like from entering the gap between the inner sheath 30 and the outer sheath 31.
As shown in FIG. 9A → FIG. 9B, the inner sheath 30 moves in the distal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31, whereby the emission / incident portion 30 a of the inner sheath 30 is exposed from the outer sheath 31 to the distal end. Since the calibration reference member 32 a is fixed to the outer sheath 31, the calibration reference member 32 remains in the outer sheath 31 even when the inner sheath 30 moves in the distal direction. Therefore, the calibration reference member 32a slides and moves in the proximal direction with respect to the inner sheath 30.

The inner sheath 30 moves in the proximal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31 as shown in FIG. 9B → FIG. 9A, so that the emission / incident portion 30 a of the inner sheath 30 is accommodated in the outer sheath 31. In this operation process, the calibration reference member 32a slides and moves in the distal direction with respect to the inner sheath 30, and returns to the original positional relationship. At this time, the observation window can be cleaned by the calibration reference member 32 a sliding on the inner sheath 30.
Therefore, calibration can be performed again and reused.
The function similar to that of the probe shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B can be realized by a configuration in which the calibration reference member 32b is integrally provided like the outer sheath 31a shown in FIG.

8A, 8B, and 8C, the calibration reference member 32 is displaced relative to the inner sheath 30 in the process of moving the inner sheath 30 in the proximal direction with respect to the outer sheath 31. In order to prevent this, the configuration shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12 is effective.
In the inner sheath 30b shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, a trap portion 34 is formed on the outer periphery thereof. The trap portion 34 is a portion whose diameter is reduced over the entire circumference of the inner sheath 30 b, and has an axial length longer than that of the calibration reference member 32.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A → FIG. 11B, the trap portion 34 engages with the calibration reference member 32 in conjunction with the movement of the inner sheath 30b with respect to the outer sheath 31 to expose the inner sheath 30b from the outer sheath 31. . In other words, the calibration reference member 32 engages with the trap part 34 so as to be lowered. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11B → FIG. 11C, when the inner sheath 30b for accommodating the inner sheath 30b in the outer sheath 31 moves relative to the outer sheath 31, the calibration reference member 32 moves in the opposite direction to the inner sheath 30b. It is reliably prevented from moving with respect to. That is, the calibration reference member 32 moves while being fitted to the trap portion 34.
The trap function similar to the inner sheath 30b shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C can be realized by the trap shapes 35 and 36 of the inner sheath 30c shown in FIG.
When the inner sheath 30c for accommodating the inner sheath 30c in the outer sheath 31 moves relative to the outer sheath 31, the stepped portion 35 prevents the calibration reference member 32 from moving with respect to the inner sheath 30c in the opposite direction of the movement. And a tapered portion 36 formed between adjacent step portions 35 forms a trap shape.

In the probes shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C described above, a gap is provided between the calibration reference member 32 and the outer sheath 31, and only between the calibration reference member 32 and the inner sheath 30. Friction was generated.
Regardless of this, the gap may not be provided between the calibration reference member 32 and the outer sheath 31, and both may be brought into contact with each other. In this case, the inner sheath 30, the outer sheath 31, and the outer sheath 31 are arranged so that the frictional force generated between the calibration reference member 32 and the inner sheath 30 exceeds the frictional force generated between the calibration reference member 32 and the outer sheath 31. By selecting the material, surface roughness, surface treatment, and the like of the calibration reference member 32, the movement of the calibration reference member 32 can be restricted similarly to the configuration shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. Also in this case, it is effective to apply the trap shape described with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12.

In the above embodiments, the optical fiber has been described as irradiating the measurement target region with excitation light and receiving fluorescence generated due to the excitation light. However, scattered light or Raman generated due to the irradiation light is described. The scattered light may be received. Even in these cases, it is possible to diagnose a disease state such as degeneration of a living tissue or cancer.

In the state shown in FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10 and 11A, the calibration reference members 32, 32a and 32b and the O-ring 33 are imaged as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. It is good to arrange | position behind the visual field Y so that it may not overlap with the visual field Y of the camera 9, and to obtain the visual information in a biological body with the imaging camera 9 in the same state. Thereby, even when the inner sheath 30 is housed, visual information in the living body can be obtained by the imaging camera 9, and the probe can be inserted while visually confirming the inside of the living body.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The following reference numerals are limited to those shown in FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the diagnostic apparatus 1 to which the probe according to the present invention is applied.

As shown in this figure, the diagnostic device 1 includes a light source 2, a spectroscope 3, a spectrum analysis device 4, a liquid feeding device 5, a controller 6, and a probe 7, and a lumen K in the body. This is a device for analyzing optical information from the probe 7 inserted into the tube and diagnosing a disease state (for example, disease type and infiltration range) such as degeneration of a living tissue and cancer in the lumen K.

The light source 2 generates irradiation light (excitation light here) such as xenon light, and is connected to the probe 7 via a wavelength selection filter.

The spectroscope 3 measures the intensity of several wavelengths from the radiated light (here, fluorescence) detected by a light receiving optical fiber 212b, which will be described later, provided on the probe 7 (hereinafter referred to as “spectral measurement”). The result is output as electronic information (spectral spectrum signal). Note that, in a broad sense, fluorescence is when an electron is excited by absorbing energy in an irradiated object irradiated with X-rays, ultraviolet rays, or visible light, and the excited electron returns to the ground state. Refers to electromagnetic waves emitted to Here, since the fluorescence having a wavelength different from the wavelength is emitted from the measurement site by the excitation light, it is detected and guided to the spectroscope 3 of the base unit via the light receiving optical fiber 212b and subjected to spectral analysis. By doing so, the disease state to be detected is diagnosed.

The spectrum analyzer 4 analyzes the spectrum signal output from the spectrometer 3 and converts it into image data of a spectrum spectrum graph to diagnose a disease state. Note that image data and diagnostic results of a spectral spectrum graph generated by the spectrum analysis device 4 are displayed on an image processing device 40 provided with a monitor. The monitor of the image processing apparatus 40 also displays an image captured by an imaging camera 215 (described later) provided on the probe 7.

The liquid feeding device 5 includes a liquid tank 51 that stores water as a cleaning liquid, and a liquid feeding pump 52 that is connected to the liquid tank 51 and the probe 7 by pipes. The liquid is pumped to the probe 7 by the liquid pump 52.

The controller 6 is connected to the probe 7 and can control the operation of each part of the probe 7, and is connected to the liquid feeding pump 52 and can control the driving of the liquid feeding pump 52.

FIG. 14A is a front view of the probe 7, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the probe 7.
As shown in these drawings, the probe 7 has a long double cylindrical structure including an inner cylinder member 21 and an outer cylinder member 22 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 21.

The inner cylinder member 21 includes a bendable tube 210 and a cylindrical unit frame 211 connected to the tip of the tube 210.
Among these, the tube 210 has a configuration in which a torque coil is covered with a sheath (none of which is shown). The tube 210 is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the direction along the longitudinal direction as a rotation axis by a rotation actuator (not shown) connected to the torque coil at the proximal end portion of the tube 210, and the proximal end is also the same. It can be moved in the longitudinal direction X of the probe 7 by a linear actuator connected to the sheath at the portion. Further, in the tube 210, an irradiation optical fiber 212a and a light receiving optical fiber 212b whose distal ends are fixed to the base end portion of the unit frame 211 are disposed. The irradiation optical fiber 212 a and the light receiving optical fiber 212 b are connected to the light source 2 and the spectroscope 3 at the base end portion of the tube 210.

On the other hand, in the unit frame 211, a condenser lens 213, a mirror 214, and an imaging camera 215 are accommodated along the longitudinal direction X in this order from the base end side. Among these, the condensing lens 213 and the mirror 214 constitute an optical system that performs irradiation of excitation light into the lumen K and reception of fluorescence. Specifically, the excitation light emitted from the irradiation optical fiber 212a is condensed by the condenser lens 213, reflected by the mirror 214 to the side (direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X), and the living body in the lumen K. While irradiating the tissue, the fluorescence (autofluorescence) emitted from the living tissue due to the excitation light is reflected by the mirror 214 in the longitudinal direction X and condensed by the condensing lens 213 on the light receiving surface of the light receiving optical fiber 212b. It is like that. On the other hand, the imaging camera 215 is for imaging the inside of the lumen K, and the side of the probe 7 whose imaging center is the same as the reflection direction of the mirror 214 so as to be able to image the irradiated portion of the excitation light from the mirror 214. It is arranged toward the direction. The camera 215 is provided with an illumination device (not shown). When an observation site is imaged, the illumination device projects light toward the site. When performing excitation light irradiation and fluorescence detection, the illumination device is turned off, but this is not necessary as long as it does not interfere with fluorescence detection. Further, the imaging camera 215 is connected to the image processing apparatus 40 via a transmission cable (not shown) housed in the tube 210.

On the peripheral surface of the unit frame 211, a position in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the mirror 214 and a transmission window 211 a disposed in the reflection direction of the mirror 214, and a position in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the imaging camera 215. And the imaging window 211b arrange | positioned in the imaging direction of the said imaging camera 215 is each formed with the transparent member. The transmission window 211a transmits excitation light from the mirror 214 and fluorescence to the mirror 214, and the imaging window 211b is for securing the field of view of the imaging camera 215 and transmitting illumination light from the illumination device. Among these, if the transmission window 211 a is disposed within the imaging range of the imaging camera 215, the surface of the imaging camera 215 can be confirmed. In addition, it is preferable that the surface of the transmission window 211a is coated with a coating that makes it difficult for mucus or the like in the lumen K (mucus or fluid residue) to adhere. Examples of such a coating include a water-repellent coat such as a fluororesin and a paraxylene resin, or a hydrophilic coat such as an MPC polymer and titanium oxide. In particular, a water-repellent coat having a contact angle with water of 70 ° or more and a hydrophilic coat having a contact angle with water of 40 ° or less are preferable.
Two annular grooves 211c and 211c are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the unit frame 211 so as to sandwich the transmission window 211a in the longitudinal direction X.

The outer cylinder member 22 is a bendable cylindrical member having an outer diameter of about 6 mm, for example, and has a perforated disk-shaped cleaning member 221 on the inner peripheral surface of the open end. The cleaning member 221 is for cleaning the transmission window 211 a and has an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder member 21. Such a cleaning member 221 is not particularly limited as long as it can suitably remove mucus adhering to the transmission window 211a, for example, an elastic body such as rubber or resin, a foam such as sponge, a felt, a cloth, etc. Etc. can be used. An annular blade or O-ring made of rubber or elastic resin is preferably used. Moreover, you may use the brush which consists of resin sponge, a brush, cloth, and a fiber. A rubber annular blade or a rubber O-ring is particularly preferable because it can reduce the unevenness of removal of deposits. The cleaning member 221 may be formed integrally with the outer cylinder member 22. Further, the cleaning member 221 may have a shape and a size that can clean at least a region through which the irradiation light and the radiation light are transmitted in the transmission window 211a.

As described above, when the inner cylinder member 21 moves in the longitudinal direction X, the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 relatively move in the longitudinal direction X. The relative movement between the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 is such that the cleaning member 221 is positioned at the proximal end side at least from the groove 211c at the proximal end side from the state where the cleaning member 221 is positioned at the distal end side from the distal end of the inner cylinder member 21. It is the movement range to the state to do. That is, the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 are in a state in which the transmission window 211a and the imaging window 211b are exposed from the outer cylinder member 22 (hereinafter referred to as an exposed state of the probe 7), and the transmission window 211a and the imaging. The window 211b is configured to be relatively movable so as to be displaced to a state in which the window 211b is shielded by the outer cylinder member 22 (hereinafter referred to as an insertion state of the probe 7), and the grooves 211c and 211c of the inner cylinder member 21 are configured. Is formed within the movement range of the cleaning member 221 accompanying the relative movement of the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22.

A window 22 a made of a transparent member is formed on the peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the outer cylinder member 22. The window 22a is formed in a portion of the outer cylinder member 22 that shields the imaging window 211b when the probe 7 is inserted. In the inserted state of the probe 7 of the present embodiment, the distal end of the inner cylinder member 21 is located at a position where the distal end of the inner cylinder member 22 is aligned with the distal end edge of the outer cylinder member 22 or the proximal end side of the distal end edge of the outer cylinder member 22. As long as at least the transmission window 211a and the imaging window 211b are shielded, the tip of the inner cylinder member 21 may be exposed from the outer cylinder member 22.

Further, the outer cylinder member 22 is formed with a plurality of channels 22b through which the liquid can flow along the longitudinal direction X. In the present embodiment, the five channels 22b,. It is formed with. The channels 22b are communicated with the liquid feed pump 52 at the proximal end portion of the probe 7. And the ejection port for discharging a liquid toward the permeation | transmission window 211a is provided in the front end side of each channel 22b. If the liquid is sprayed on the transmission window 211a, the number of the channels 22b and the ejection ports is not particularly limited, and may be less than five or more than five. It is also possible to provide a single jet port and eject the liquid after setting the transmission window 211a at a position where the liquid from the jet port is sprayed.
Further, an annular balloon 222 that can be inflated and contracted is attached to the outer cylindrical member 22 on the outer peripheral surface. The balloon 222 is communicated with an air pump (none of which is shown) through an air tube disposed along the outer cylinder member 22.

Subsequently, a diagnostic procedure by the diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a state of the probe 7 when inserted into the lumen K, and FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining a state of the probe 7 when performing irradiation light irradiation and radiation light detection. FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 15A, the probe 7 is inserted into the lumen K (for example, the esophagus) through the nostril or the mouth. At this time, the inner cylinder member 21 is shielded to the tip by the outer cylinder member 22 so that mucus or the like in the lumen K does not adhere to the transmission window 211a of the inner cylinder member 21. If the tip of the inner cylinder member 21 is kept in contact with the cleaning member 221, adhesion of mucus or the like to the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 21 can be more effectively prevented. Since the tube 210 of the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 can be bent, the probe 7 advances in the lumen K while being bent freely following the shape of the lumen K. In addition, through this insertion process, the imaging camera 215 images the inside of the lumen K through the imaging window 211b and the window 22a, and the captured image is used for determination of a diagnostic site.

When the tip of the probe 7 reaches a predetermined diagnostic site, the controller 6 drives the air pump to inflate the balloon 222 to contact the inner wall of the lumen K as shown in FIG. Secure to the inner wall of the.

Next, the linear actuator is driven by the controller 6 to move the inner cylinder member 21 in the longitudinal direction X to be exposed from the outer cylinder member 22. At this time, the inner cylinder member 21 is exposed until the cleaning member 221 of the outer cylinder member 22 is positioned closer to the proximal end side than the proximal end groove 211c while the outer peripheral surface is rubbed by the cleaning member 221. In this process, the transmission window 211a is cleaned by the cleaning member 221, and the surface dirt is removed. Further, when the cleaning member 221 passes through the grooves 211c and 211c at both ends of the transmission window 211a, dirt such as mucus adhering to the cleaning member 221 is accommodated in the grooves 211c and 211c, so that the cleaning member 221 is contaminated. The transmission window 211a is preferably cleaned by preventing accumulation. A plurality of annular grooves 211c may be provided. Moreover, you may make it provide at least 1 recessed part instead of the groove | channel 211c, for example, a some recessed part can be arrange | positioned cyclically | annularly at intervals. In this case, the relative movement of the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 can be performed smoothly.

Next, the controller 6 drives the rotation actuator to rotate the inner cylinder member 21, and the excitation light from the mirror 214 is irradiated toward the observation target portion of the living tissue while confirming the observation target portion with the camera 215. Change the pivot position as possible. However, this operation may be performed simultaneously with the movement of the inner cylinder member 21 in the longitudinal direction X described above.

Next, the excitation light of the light source 2 is emitted from the irradiation optical fiber 212a. The emitted excitation light is collected by the condensing lens 213, reflected to the side by the mirror 214, transmitted through the transmission window 211a, and irradiated to the observation target site of the living tissue. Then, the fluorescence emitted from the living tissue due to the excitation light is transmitted through the transmission window 211a, is reflected in the longitudinal direction X by the mirror 214, is collected by the condenser lens 213, and is collected into the light receiving optical fiber 212b. Detected. The detected fluorescence is spectroscopically measured by the spectroscope 3, and a spectroscopic spectrum signal is output as the measurement result. Then, the spectrum signal is analyzed by the spectrum analyzer 4 to diagnose a disease state. Such a diagnosis is performed on a plurality of circumferential measurement points by rotating the inner cylinder member 21. Further, if necessary, the same diagnosis is repeated by changing the position of the inner cylindrical member 21 in the longitudinal direction X, whereby the diagnosis is performed on the belt-shaped predetermined region of the lumen K.

When the diagnosis is completed, the inner cylinder member 21 is again shielded in the outer cylinder member 22 and the balloon 222 is deflated, and the probe 7 is taken out from the lumen K. Alternatively, when there is a next site to be observed, the inner cylinder member 21 is shielded in the outer cylinder member 22 and the balloon 222 is deflated, and then the tip of the probe 7 is moved to the next site to be observed. Repeat the same operation. Even if a deposit adheres to the transmission window 211a for some reason before changing the position of the tip portion of the probe 7 and performing the next measurement, as described above, the inner cylinder member 21 is removed from and inserted into the outer cylinder member 22. Since the cleaning is performed, the transmission window 211a is not easily soiled even when the measurement is repeatedly performed, and the measurement accuracy is improved. By reciprocating the relative movement of the inner cylinder member 21, the dirt can be more reliably removed by repeating the reciprocation.
When the adhesion of mucus or the like increases after repeated measurement, the liquid feed pump 52 is driven by the controller 6 to circulate the water in the liquid tank 51 into the channels 22b,. And it ejects toward the permeation | transmission window 211a from opening of the outer cylinder member 22 front-end | tip. Thereby, it is possible to easily remove mucus and the like, and when the cleaning member 221 is subsequently cleaned, the transmission window can be satisfactorily cleaned.

According to the probe 7 in the diagnostic apparatus 1 described above, the transmission window 211a is shielded by the outer cylinder member 22 when inserted into the lumen K, and the transmission window 211a is moved to the outer cylinder when the distal end reaches the site to be observed. It can be exposed from the member 22. Then, along with the relative movement between the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22, the transmission window 211a can be cleaned by the cleaning member 221 provided on the outer cylinder member 22. Accordingly, the permeation window 211a is shielded by the outer cylindrical member 22 to prevent adhesion of mucus or the like to the permeation window 211a when inserted into the lumen K, and the permeation whose surface is cleaned is simple in structure. The window 211a can be made to face the site to be observed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent irradiation failure of irradiation light and detection failure of radiation light due to adhesion of mucus or the like.

Further, as the transmission window 211 a is exposed from the outer cylinder member 22, the transmission window 211 a can be cleaned by the cleaning member 221.
Further, the transmission window 211a and the imaging window 211b can be cleaned as the outer cylinder member 22 and the inner cylinder member 21 move relative to each other.

Also, even when the imaging tube 211b and the transmission window 211a are shielded by the outer cylinder member 22 when inserted into the lumen K, the inside of the lumen K can be imaged by the imaging camera 215 through the window 22a.

Further, since the transmission window 211a is disposed within the imaging range of the imaging camera 215, the degree of contamination of the transmission window 211a can be visually confirmed, and the transmission window 211a is used for excitation light irradiation and fluorescence detection. It can be determined whether it is clean enough not to cause any trouble.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 21, a groove 211c for accumulating dirt attached to the cleaning member 221 within the movement range of the cleaning member 221 accompanying the relative movement between the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 is provided. , 211c are formed, so that dirt such as mucus can be prevented from entering the groove 211c due to the movement of the cleaning member 221 and dirt being accumulated in the cleaning member 221. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning member 221 from spreading its own dirt and to suitably clean the transmission window 211a.

Further, the outer cylinder member 22 is formed with a channel 22b through which liquid can be circulated, and water can be discharged from the jet port to the transmission window 211a, so that the transmission window 211a is exposed. Water can be ejected toward the transmission window 211a so that mucus and the like attached to the transmission window 211a can be easily removed.

Further, by using the cleaning member 221 made of any one of an elastic body, a foam, a felt, and a cloth, mucus and the like attached to the transmission window 211a can be removed well.

Further, since the surface of the transmission window 211a is coated with a water-repellent coat or a hydrophilic coat, mucus or the like is less likely to adhere to the transmission window 211a and can be easily removed even if it adheres.

Further, by receiving at least one of fluorescence, scattered light, and Raman scattered light, it is possible to diagnose a disease state such as degeneration of a living tissue or cancer.

<Modification>
Then, the modification of the said embodiment is demonstrated. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to the said embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the probe 7A in this modification.
As shown in this figure, the probe 7A includes an inner cylinder member 21A instead of the inner cylinder member 21 in the above embodiment.

The inner cylinder member 21A includes a unit frame 211A instead of the unit frame 211 in the above embodiment. The unit frame 211A is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter of a predetermined portion on the tip side of the transmission window 211a is larger than the outer diameter of the other portion, and the imaging camera 215 is accommodated in the tip side portion. Thus, an imaging window 211b is formed. A portion of the unit frame 211A on the front end side has an outer diameter larger than the opening diameter of the outer cylinder member 22, and is exposed from the outer cylinder member 22 in a normal state. Note that the outer diameter of the portion on the distal end side of the unit frame 211A only needs to be larger than the opening diameter of the outer cylinder member 22, and the imaging camera 215 and the imaging window 211b do not have to be provided in this portion. However, it is more preferable that the imaging camera 215 is accommodated in the tip side in that a larger imaging camera 215 can be mounted.
Further, since the imaging camera 215 is normally exposed from the outer cylinder member 22, the window 22a is not formed in the outer cylinder member 22.

According to such a probe 7A, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment, as well as the opening (inner side) of the outer cylinder member 22 by the portion on the front end side of the unit frame 211A (inner cylinder member 21A). The gap between the cylindrical member 21A and the outer cylindrical member 22 can be closed, so that intrusion of mucus or the like from the opening of the outer cylindrical member 22 can be prevented. As a result, mucus or the like during insertion into the lumen K can be prevented. Can be more reliably prevented from adhering to the transmission window 211a.

The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment and its modification, the perforated disk-shaped cleaning member 221 is provided at the opening end of the outer cylinder member 22, but as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the cleaning member 221 is provided. Instead of this, a plate-like cleaning member 221B that is long in the longitudinal direction X may be provided. The cleaning member 221 </ b> B is provided at three positions on the circumference of the opening end of the outer cylinder member 22 so as not to shield the imaging window 211 b. In this case, instead of the annular grooves 211c and 211c, it is preferable to form grooves 211cB elongated in the longitudinal direction X at three locations on the circumference corresponding to the cleaning member 221B. And when moving the inner cylinder member 21 relative to the outer cylinder member 22, by moving the inner cylinder member in the longitudinal direction X so that the cleaning member 221B passes through the groove 211cB, The dirt of the cleaning member 221B can be accumulated in the groove 211cB. The cleaning member 221B and the groove 211cB may not be along the longitudinal direction X, and may be formed in a spiral shape, for example. The position of the inner cylinder member 21 is maintained for a predetermined time at a position where the transmission window 211a of the inner cylinder member 21 and the cleaning member 221B of the outer cylinder member 22 overlap in the longitudinal direction X, or the relative movement speed in the longitudinal direction X is set. If the inner cylinder member 21 is rotated in a delayed state so that the cleaning member 221B slides on the transmission window 211a a plurality of times, dirt can be more effectively removed. Further, after the inner cylinder member 21 is rotated and the transmission window 211a is cleaned, the transmission member 211B is exposed from the outer cylinder member 22 after the cleaning member 221B is positioned so as not to contact the transmission window 211a. By doing so, it is possible to prevent mucus or the like removed by the cleaning member 221B from reattaching to the transmission window 211a, and to expose the transmission window 211a in a clean state. Further, the position where the cleaning member 221B is provided is not limited to the vicinity of the distal end edge of the outer cylinder member 22 as shown in the figure, but is a little closer to the proximal end side (for example, the position facing the transmission window 211a in the inserted state of the probe 7). There may be.

Further, the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22 only need to be relatively movable so that at least the transmission window 211a can be exposed and shielded. For example, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the cylindrical member 20 </ b> C may be replaced with a specifically configured cylindrical member.

Further, the water is circulated through the channels 22b of the outer cylinder member 22, but the channels 22b may be provided in the inner cylinder member 21 as long as water can be ejected toward the transmission window 211a. Then, water may be circulated through the gap between the inner cylinder member 21 and the outer cylinder member 22. The liquid to be circulated need not be water, and any liquid can be used as long as it does not harm the living body or the probe 7 itself and can effectively remove mucus or the like.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the movement to the longitudinal direction X and rotation of the inner cylinder member 21 were demonstrated by each actuator, it was not restricted to this, You may make these perform manually. I do not care.

As described above, the probe according to the present invention can be used for observing living tissue for medical diagnosis.

(Reference numerals in FIGS. 1A to 12)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tube 1A Torque tube 2 Tip mantle 3 Torque coil 4 Unit frame 4a Unit frame base end part 4b Window 5 Irradiation optical fiber 6 Receiving optical fiber 7 Condensing lens 8 Mirror (or prism)
9 Imaging camera 10 Outer tube 10a Balloon 10b Outer skin 10c Hole 30 Inner sheath 30a Outgoing / incident part 30a Inner sheath 30c Inner sheath 31 Outer sheath 31a Outer sheath 32 Calibration reference member 32a Calibration reference member 32b Calibration reference member 33 O- Ring 34 Trap part 35 Step part 36 Taper part C Base unit M Rotating unit X Rotating shaft (reference numerals in FIGS. 13 to 18)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Diagnostic apparatus 7,7A Probe 21,21A Inner cylinder member 22 Outer cylinder member 22a Window (2nd imaging window)
22b Channel 210 Tube 211, 211A Unit frame 211a Transmission window 211b Imaging window (first imaging window)
211c, 211cB Groove 212a Irradiation optical fiber 212b Receiving optical fiber 213 Condensing lens 214 Mirror 215 Imaging camera (imaging device)
221, 221B Cleaning member 222 Balloon K Lumen X Longitudinal direction

Claims (23)

In the probe for measuring the radiated light provided with an optical system for receiving the radiated light emitted from the measurement target part by irradiating the measurement target part of the biological tissue with irradiation light,
An inner sheath including the optical system;
An outer sheath through which the inner sheath is inserted;
A calibration reference member,
The inner sheath and the outer sheath can be operated to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. By the operation, the emission portion of the irradiation light and the incident portion of the emission light of the inner sheath are accommodated in the outer sheath. And exposing from the outer sheath,
The calibration reference member is outside the inner sheath and inside the outer sheath, and can receive the irradiation light emitted from the emitting portion of the inner sheath accommodated in the outer sheath, and the incident portion A probe disposed at a position where the radiation light can be incident on the probe. The calibration reference member is held movably in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner sheath,
A locking member for retaining the calibration reference member in the outer sheath during movement of the inner sheath with respect to the outer sheath for exposing the inner sheath from the outer sheath;
When the inner sheath for accommodating the inner sheath in the outer sheath moves with respect to the outer sheath, the calibration reference member moves together with the inner sheath, and can receive the irradiation light from the emitting portion, and The probe according to claim 1, wherein the probe is retracted from a position where the radiation light can be incident on the incident portion. 3. The probe according to claim 2, wherein the locking member is an O-ring whose outer diameter portion is tightly fixed to the inner periphery of the outer sheath and whose inner diameter portion is in close contact with the outer periphery of the inner sheath. The inner sheath for exposing the inner sheath to the outer sheath is engaged with the calibration reference member as the inner sheath moves with respect to the outer sheath, and the inner sheath is accommodated in the outer sheath. A trap shape is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner sheath to prevent the calibration reference member from being displaced relative to the inner sheath in the reverse direction of the movement during the movement with respect to the outer sheath. The probe according to claim 2 or claim 3. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calibration reference member is an annular sheet along an outer periphery of the inner sheath. The said optical system irradiates irradiation light in the direction which cross | intersects with respect to the longitudinal direction of an inner sheath from the window part provided in the surrounding surface of the inner sheath. probe. A method of using the probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The emission part and the incident part of the inner sheath are accommodated in the outer sheath, and the calibration reference member can receive the irradiation light from the emission part and can make the radiation light incident on the incident part. In a state where it is arranged at a proper position, the measurement is performed using the optical system, and calibration is performed.
After the probe is inserted into the living body, the emitting portion and the incident portion of the inner sheath are exposed from the outer sheath in the living body, and measurement is performed on the living body observation target portion using the optical system. How to use a probe characterized by The method of using a probe according to claim 7, wherein the calibration is executed in a state where the probe is inserted into a living body. It is a usage method of the probe as described in any one of Claims 2-4, Comprising: It measures using the said optical system, and determines that it cannot be used by the non-detection of the said calibration reference member. A method of using a probe characterized by the above. In a probe that is inserted into a lumen in a living body and irradiates irradiation light to an observation target site of a living tissue, and detects radiation emitted from the observation target site due to the irradiation light,
An inner cylinder member that houses an optical system that performs irradiation of the irradiation light and reception of the radiation light, and has a transmission window that transmits the irradiation light and the radiation light on a peripheral surface;
An outer cylinder member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member and is relatively movable in at least the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member;
With
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the transmission window with a relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member, and the outer cylinder member is with a relative movement with respect to the inner cylinder member. A probe having a cleaning member for cleaning at least a region through which the irradiation light and the radiated light are transmitted in the transmission window. The probe according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning member cleans the transmission window with relative movement of the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member in the longitudinal direction. The inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member are relatively movable in the circumferential direction by rotation,
The probe according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning member cleans the transmission window with relative movement of the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member in a circumferential direction. An imaging device that is accommodated in the inner cylinder member and that can image the inside of the lumen through a first imaging window formed of a transparent member on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member,
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the transmission window and the first imaging window with relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member.
The cleaning member according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cleaning member cleans the transmission window and the first imaging window as the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member move relative to each other. The probe as described. An imaging device that is accommodated in the inner cylinder member and that can image the inside of the lumen through a first imaging window formed of a transparent member on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member,
The outer cylinder member is capable of exposing and shielding the first imaging window along with the relative movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner cylinder member, and also shielding the transmission window and the first imaging window. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a second imaging window made of a transparent member at a portion that shields the first imaging window. The probe according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the transmission window is disposed within an imaging range of the imaging device. The inner cylinder member is formed such that an outer diameter of a predetermined portion on the tip side of the transmission window is larger than an opening diameter of the outer cylinder member, and the predetermined portion on the tip side is exposed from the outer cylinder member in a normal state. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein: The at least one recessed part is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the said inner cylinder member in the movement range of the said cleaning member accompanying the relative movement of the said inner cylinder member and the said outer cylinder member. The probe according to any one of 10 to 16. In the outer cylinder member, a channel capable of circulating liquid is formed along the longitudinal direction,
The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein a jet outlet capable of discharging a liquid to the transmission window is provided at a distal end portion of the channel. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the probe is configured to allow a liquid to flow through a gap between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the cleaning member is formed integrally with the outer cylinder member. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the cleaning member is made of an elastic body, foam, felt, or cloth. The probe according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the surface of the transmission window is coated with a water-repellent coat or a hydrophilic coat. 23. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein the optical system receives at least one of fluorescence, scattered light, and Raman scattered light emitted from an observation target site due to the irradiation light. The probe according to one item.

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